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Study Natural Sciences in South Africa 🇿🇦

South Africa offers 51 Natural Sciences programs across 21 universities. 100% of programs carry STEM designation, which is valuable for post-graduation work authorization in many countries.

51 Programs
21 Universities
100% STEM
2% Scholarships

Why South Africa for Natural Sciences?

Living Cost

$6,000/yr

Full guide to studying in South Africa →

By Degree Level

Bachelor (30) Master (15) PhD (5) Certificate (1)

Top Universities for Natural Sciences in South Africa

University of Cape Town

Cape Town · National rank #1 · QS #150

PhD in Marine Biology · PhD
Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch · National rank #2 · QS #302

BSc in Food Science · Bachelor BSc in Biology · Bachelor
University of the Witwatersrand

Johannesburg · National rank #2 · QS #291

Master of Science in Environmental Science · Master
University of Pretoria

Pretoria · National rank #3 · QS #362

Master of Science in Biotechnology · Master Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology · Bachelor Master of Science in Food Science · Master Bachelor of Science in Food Science · Bachelor
University of Johannesburg

Johannesburg · National rank #3 · QS #308

Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences · Bachelor
University of KwaZulu-Natal

Durban · National rank #4 · QS #558

Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) · Bachelor Master of Science in Environmental Science · Master
University of South Africa (UNISA)

Pretoria · National rank #7 · QS #851

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management · Bachelor Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences · Bachelor
University of the Free State

Bloemfontein · National rank #8 · QS #1001

Engineering Sciences · Bachelor Genetics · Bachelor Chemistry · Bachelor Computer Science and Informatics · Bachelor Mathematics and Applied Mathematics · Bachelor Geography · Bachelor Geology · Bachelor Plant Sciences · Bachelor Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science · Bachelor Microbiology and Biochemistry · Bachelor Physics · Bachelor Zoology and Entomology · Bachelor
Nelson Mandela University

Port Elizabeth · National rank #9

Master of Science in Environmental Science · Master PhD in Marine Biology · PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science · PhD Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology · Bachelor
Eduvos

Johannesburg · National rank #9

Pre-degree Foundation Programme: Science · Certificate
Rhodes University

Grahamstown · National rank #11 · QS #1001

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science · Bachelor Master of Science in Biotechnology · Master
Tshwane University of Technology

Pretoria · National rank #12

Bachelor of Science in Food Technology · Bachelor Master of Science in Environmental Sciences · Master
Durban University of Technology

Durban · National rank #14

Master of Applied Science in Food Technology · Master Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology · Master
Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Cape Town · National rank #15

Master of Science in Food Technology · Master Bachelor of Technology in Food Technology · Bachelor Master of Technology in Food Technology · Master
University of Zululand

KwaDlangezwa · National rank #15 · QS #1000

Environmental Sciences · Bachelor
University of Limpopo

Polokwane · National rank #16

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences · Bachelor
University of Fort Hare

Alice · National rank #17

Master of Science in Environmental Science · Master
University of Venda

Thohoyandou · National rank #19

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences · Master
Central University of Technology

Bloemfontein · National rank #20

Master of Environmental Science · Master
University of Mpumalanga

Mbombela · National rank #25

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science · Bachelor Bachelor of Science in Water Management · Bachelor Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science · PhD Master of Science in Environmental Management · Master Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences · Bachelor Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences · PhD

All Programs

PhD in Marine Biology

University of Cape Town

PhD STEM

Master of Science in Biotechnology

University of Pretoria

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

University of Pretoria

Bachelor STEM

Master of Science in Food Science

University of Pretoria

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

University of Pretoria

Bachelor STEM

BSc in Food Science

Stellenbosch University

Bachelor STEM

BSc in Biology

Stellenbosch University

Bachelor STEM

Engineering Sciences

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Genetics

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Chemistry

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Computer Science and Informatics

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Geography

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Geology

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Plant Sciences

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Microbiology and Biochemistry

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Physics

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Zoology and Entomology

University of the Free State

Bachelor STEM

Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Science

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Master STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Science

University of the Witwatersrand

Master STEM

Master of Science in Food Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Master STEM

Bachelor of Technology in Food Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Bachelor STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Rhodes University

Bachelor STEM

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Rhodes University

Master STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Science

Nelson Mandela University

Master STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

University of Venda

Master STEM

Master of Technology in Food Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management

University of South Africa (UNISA)

Bachelor STEM

Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences

University of South Africa (UNISA)

Bachelor STEM

Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences

University of Johannesburg

Bachelor STEM

PhD in Marine Biology

Nelson Mandela University

PhD STEM

Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science

Nelson Mandela University

PhD STEM

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Science

University of Fort Hare

Master STEM

Master of Applied Science in Food Technology

Durban University of Technology

Master STEM

Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology

Durban University of Technology

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

University of Limpopo

Bachelor STEM

Environmental Sciences

University of Zululand

Bachelor STEM Aid

Bachelor of Science in Food Technology

Tshwane University of Technology

Bachelor STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

Tshwane University of Technology

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

University of Mpumalanga

Bachelor STEM

Bachelor of Science in Water Management

University of Mpumalanga

Bachelor STEM

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

University of Mpumalanga

PhD STEM

Master of Science in Environmental Management

University of Mpumalanga

Master STEM

Master of Environmental Science

Central University of Technology

Master STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

University of Mpumalanga

Bachelor STEM

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences

University of Mpumalanga

PhD STEM

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Sol Plaatje University

Bachelor STEM

Pre-degree Foundation Programme: Science

Eduvos

Certificate STEM

Explore Other Fields in South Africa

Computer Science Business & Management Engineering Medicine & Health Law Arts & Design Education Social Sciences Architecture Agriculture & Environment

Also Study Natural Sciences in

🇦🇺 Australia 🇨🇦 Canada 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇯🇵 Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study Natural Sciences in South Africa?
Tuition for Natural Sciences programs in South Africa varies by university. 2% of programs offer scholarships or financial aid. Annual living costs (accommodation, food, transport) are approximately $6k.
What are the English language requirements for Natural Sciences in South Africa?
English-taught Natural Sciences programs in South Africa typically require:. Requirements vary by university and program level — always check the specific program page.
How many Natural Sciences programs are in South Africa?
Abroadly lists 51 Natural Sciences programs at 21 universities across South Africa. Programs are available at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level.
Are Natural Sciences programs in South Africa STEM-designated?
100% of Natural Sciences programs in South Africa carry STEM designation. STEM classification can be important for visa purposes in countries like the US and UK after graduation.
Is South Africa a good country for Natural Sciences students?
South Africa is a strong choice for Natural Sciences with 21 universities offering these programs. The primary language is English.
What degree levels are available for Natural Sciences in South Africa?
In South Africa, Natural Sciences programs are offered at: PhD (5 programs), Master (15 programs), Bachelor (30 programs), Certificate (1 programs). This gives students flexibility whether they're seeking an undergraduate degree, postgraduate specialization, or doctoral research.